Fort Lauderdale vs Tampa: Civil Engineer Salary (2026)
Compare civil engineer salaries between Fort Lauderdale, FL and Tampa, FL. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Fort Lauderdale, FL | Tampa, FL |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $84,705 | $103,215▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $40.72 | $49.62▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $57,893 | $73,514▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $67,135 | $77,424▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $108,422 | $134,353▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $131,293 | $174,584▲ |
| Total Employed | 29 | 4,190▲ |
Verdict
Tampa, FL offers better overall compensation for civil engineers, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Fort Lauderdale.
The salary gap between Fort Lauderdale and Tampa is $18,510 (21.85%). Tampa's median is -0.27% compared to the US national median of $103,492.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Fort Lauderdale spans $73,400,Tampa spans $101,070. Tampa has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced civil engineers.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Tampa ($102,304 effective) pays 21.74% more than Fort Lauderdale ($84,033 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Fort Lauderdale if…
- ✓You prefer the Florida area and lifestyle
Choose Tampa if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($103,215/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($174,584)
- ✓Larger job market (4,190 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $102,304)
- ✓You prefer the Florida area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, civil engineer salaries in Fort Lauderdale grew -10.6% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 23.4% growth in Tampa over the same period.
Fort Lauderdale, FL
$92,303 (2024) → $82,534 (2025)
Tampa, FL
$81,510 (2019) → $100,570 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Fort Lauderdale, FL
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays civil engineers more: Fort Lauderdale or Tampa?
What is the hourly rate difference between Fort Lauderdale and Tampa?
Should I relocate from Fort Lauderdale to Tampa as a civil engineer?
What do entry-level civil engineers earn in Fort Lauderdale vs Tampa?
Related Comparisons
Written by Jordan Chen, P.E.
Career Analyst
Jordan Chen has 10 years of experience in structural engineering. He works primarily in urban infrastructure projects.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 2.63% CAGR (derived from 6-year national BLS trends) was applied to estimate current compensation. Cost-of-living adjustments use BEA Regional Price Parity data. Actual salaries vary by employer, certifications, and experience.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS , released .
Compiled and verified by Jordan Chen, P.E., a licensed civil engineer with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov